Outline the process of a public bill becoming an Act

Firstly, a Green Paper, a consultation document, is published, which allows interested parties to comment and change the government’s proposal. Following the Green Paper, the government will publish a White Paper, which includes firm proposals for a new law. The First Reading will initially take place in the House of Commons. The name and the main aims of the Bill are read out. The Second reading is where the Bill is discussed and voted on. MP's can vote on the Bill verbally (through saying "aye" or "nay"), or through going through special chambers. If the bill passes, it moves onto the committee stage. This is where the Select Committee examines the Bill in detail and may recommend amendments to be made. These amendments are reviewed and considered by the House in the Report Stage. The final opportunity for each House to debate and to vote on the Bill takes place at the Third Reading. After this, the process is repeated in the House of Lords. Any amendments to the Bill made there, must be voted upon the House of Commons (and vice versa). This is called the "ping pong" effect. Lastly, the Monarch agrees to make the Bill into an Act, this is called Royal Assent.